CYC’14 Academics

Staff Biographical info and pics are found here at this link! Please click to view!
Student Requirements:
During the three years at CYC, each student must complete a total of 6 courses from 3 categories:
  • Knowing the Bible Courses - Old and New Testament (B)
  • Spiritual Growth: Starting Point (SP)
  • Growing & Living Out the Faith (F) including Leadership training (L)
Additionally Students must take a combination of 6 hours of Saturday seminars over the three years of CYC. Campers participate in activities on the first Tuesday of Youth Conference and participate in 3 volunteer projects that give back to the community, called “Ventures” which are also chosen online before camp begins.


Old Testament 101 David Cranson
Offered: Period 1 and Period 2
You cannot study the Old Testament without reading parts of it. So there will be reading. You cannot fully understand these concepts by reading alone. So there will be discussions. You cannot stay awake if you are only reading and talking. So there will be games. Fun games, too. I promise. Just ask a Chernoch. Or Jimmy Curran. Oh yeah, the final exam may or may not involve you getting thrown in the pool, fyi.



Life of Christ Kristin Walker
Offered: Period 1
Jesus Christ is more than just "the reason for the Season," a really nice guy, or a man who lived a REALLY long time ago. Let's learn about His life and what His amazing life means for us. Why were these specific stories recorded and how do they bring us hope, purpose, and an abundant life?



Starting Point! Living the Christian Life Aaron Orr
Offered: Period 1
How can I use my Bible? What should I do for devotions at home? How can I best worship? What do Christians believe? These are some of the questions we will explore as we consider how to get started in a life of faith. Graduation requirement for class of 2013 and beyond.



Mirror Image Salima Watson
Offered: Period 1
This course is called mirror image because God created us in His image and when we step in front of the mirror God's reflection is what we should see. But how often is that true? The last time you stood before the mirror was it all your flaws or God's perfection reflected to you?
When you leave this class you will know 6 things about yourself; that you are: a sinner, loved, known, beautiful, called, and a fighter. Simple right? But is it? Though these are basic truths of our faith, they are easily forgotten. So during this time we will find our way back to seeing God's image when we look into the mirror through art, storytelling, discussion, and a whole lot of self reflection.
Who am I? Ellen Dill
Offered: Period 2
This course takes a look at you! How do you learn best? What is your personality like? What are your spiritual gifts? How might God be preparing you to do something you love with your life? Be prepared to share a lot of who you are personally with the other members of this class, and think about where you will go with your future!



God’s Great Shore and Sea Bob Jope, Drew Sinclair, Erin Lylis
Offered: Period 2
One of the most awe-inspiring ways in which we come to know God is through the examination of the world around us. This course will guide students through an exploration of the ecosystems local to the southern coast of Maine, with particular attention to how God calls us to interact with the environment. Time will also be spent in examining portions of the Bible related to these matters.


YOU ARE AWESOME! Siera Sinclair, Drew Sinclair, Erin Lylis
Offered: Period 1
YOU ARE AWESOME. Isn’t that cool? This course explores all the things that make us awesome. We’ll take a deeper look at our talents, learn strategies on how to develop them fuller, and put them to good work. God made us with purpose, and He knows what’s up. We all have our differences, so let’s celebrate them! This course looks at the lives of many influential people, how they overcame adversity, and how you can too. Additional topics include stereotypes, individuality, the power of focus, fear, and how to handle negativity from within and from others.


The Language of God: Science & Faith, with a Lyrical twist David Wadsworth
Offered: Period 2
We live in a technologically advanced, dynamic, and ever changing world. Information is freely expressed and shared, facts are often diluted, and our lives/beliefs are widely influenced on a daily basis. Music and pop culture are, without a doubt, large contributors to that influence, and that factor will be incorporated into our discussions. This course is designed to ask several challenging questions pertaining to science and faith, and to address these questions head on and with an open mind. We will draw from several literary and cultural references, including information from authors such as C.S. Lewis and Charles Darwin, and artists such as Imagine Dragons and Mumford and Sons. However, our discussion and learning will be rooted in the work of Francis S. Collins, Old Testament narrative, and of course, that Jesus dude. “The Language of God” was written by Collins - a world renowned geneticist and former atheist - and it provides an alternative to conventional belief of either Creationism OR Science. This alternative is called “BioLogos”, and we will discuss the six basic principles of this belief structure while incorporating factors of life in 2014 to explore how to realistically , and proudly, be a young person of faith.



WITH: Intimacy with God and Those We loveRev. Sean Dunker-Bendigo
Offered: Period 2
There is no other word that completely describes the quality of our relationships than the simple word "with." We will explore this one word and how it is important in all of our relationships with God and the important people in our lives. To be "with" the other is to be present, focused, and tuned in. Being "with" a dying friend, your beloved, your best friend or God will change your life. The word "with" describes, connection, love, empathy, God's grace, and relationship. Come Join me in this exploration.



Faith Talk from what we see on TV & Film Ellen Dill
Offered: Period 1
Have you watched The Hunger Games? Divergent? The Walking Dead? Breaking Bad?
Do you like The Voice, American Idol, Dancing With the Stars or America’s Got Talent?
Maybe you have been more of a fan of Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory or Brooklyn NIne-Nine. Love the drama of Pretty Little Liars or SyFy’s Haven? Seen Frozen, or The Wolf of Wall Street? These shows and films are among the most popular with American Youth today, and each offers a challenge to think about your faith! Each also offers us a challenge to think about talking about faith issues with people around us! “Do you think people would all behave selfishly if they were living in a dystopian society?” “Do you think people know how to mesh their life dreams with those God’s dream for us?” We will talk about what appeals to us today as a society, how spiritual messages are conveyed through these media, and how to identify and talk about it with our friends and families.


Don’t Wanna Waste My Life Salima Watson
Offered: Period 2
"What is it that God expects from us?" "How can we move in a direction that honors God?" AND "Am I to young to serve?"
Through the use of discussion and a few video clips, we will seek to address the desire most of us have:
"Don't wanna waste my life."
Deciding to follow Christ means living your life to the fullest. But what does that look like? What does God expect from me? What kind of people does God use? Come find out more about a full, exciting, adventure-filled life serving others in Christ. This course is especially recommended for anyone who wants to live a life of service wherever God places you.
Overcoming ObstaclesKristin Walker & Aaron Orr
Offered: Period 2
Get ready to dive into some truth, grab hold of hope, and experience life-giving freedom. We've all gone through hardships, rejection, betrayals, and guilt. With God's help, there is freedom, hope, and grace enough to overcome any obstacle and move forward on the amazing adventure He has for each of us!


City on a Hill - Persuasion & Influence Rev. Sean Dunker-Bendigo
Offered: Period 1
No matter our personality or way we go about in the world, we all have the power of influence. It may be a sibling, a friend our a group of people you are leading but each one of us has the power to influence others in a positive or negative way. Realizing that power and using it out of love is the focus of this leadership course. We will look at the art form and science of influence and persuasion and be guided by the ethics, love and teachings of Jesus.




Dill

Seaside Rm

(F) (L)

Faith Talk
Orr

Lawton

(SP)

Starting Point
Dunker-
Bendigo
Jordan Hall

(B)

City On a Hill - Persuasion & Influence
Walker

Holt

(B)

Life of Christ
Cranson

Main Dining Hall

(B)

OT 101
Watson

Mitchell

(F)

Mirror Image
Sinclairs
& Lylis

Sunrise Rm

(F)

YOU ARE AWESOME!
Dill

Seaside Rm

(F)

Who Am I?
Walker/Orr

HOLT

(F)(L)

Overcoming Obstacles
Dunker-
Bendigo

Jordan Hall

(F) (B)

WITH - Intimacy with God & Loved Ones
Jope

Sherwood Chapel

(F)

God’s Great Shore & Sea
Cranson

Main Dining Hall

(B)

Old Testament 101
Watson

Mitchell

(F)

Don’t Wanna Waste My Life
Wads

Sunrise Rm

(F)

The Language of God
LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON INTERNET NEEDS OF THE CLASS!


Tuesday activities


Baking (6) Linda Jope
Gaga (12) Craig Kellogg
Ultimate Frisbee (20) Justin Dill & Peter Blake
Whitewashed Photos (bring 2 photos printed) (10) Chrissie Metcalf
Tie-Dying T-shirts (Bring a white T-shirt) (14) Brianna O’Connell
Sand sculpture activity and Fight the Tide (12) Bob Jope
Basketball (without breaking your nose) (12) Matty Q
Kickball (12-18) Noah D & Wads




Saturday Seminars: Pick One 2-hour Seminar or Two 1-hour seminars
2-Hour Seminars
Paula Waters - Lessons from the Quiche (Jordan Hall): Diversity is the norm that God created, for He has made each of us different and has given us different gifts. While the world around us sometimes presses us to fit in, let us learn from making and eating quiche how to be different, how to be excellent and how to be at peace (2 hours)
Kristin Walker - The Lost Art of Listening (Mitchell Lounge): So often we don’t feel like we’ve been heard -- and so often we are thinking while others are talking. We don’t think about what the words mean, or we are preoccupied by something else and just don’t hear! Come and dissect this phenomenon, and learn how to listen and how to be heard. (2 hours)
Oceanwood staff - Kayaking (Rear Dining Hall Porch)- With the proximity of the river heading down to the ocean, high tide can be a great time to head out for a kayaking trip. (2 hours)
Sarah Handspicker - Prayer Through Movement. Like to move and dance more than being restless in one position? Check out this class! (2-hrs)
Anne Corson-Polak - Who Do You Think You Are? (Lawton Lodge)An experiential class of self-discovery(2 hours)
1-Hour Seminars
Erin Lylis & Drew Sinclair - Fun Fitness Nothing too stressful! Just come and get in a little FUN fitness with Drew and Erin! (1 hour) (2x)
Carol Somers - YOGA (Front Porch Dining Hall): This Yoga class is not for people who are looking for a break - it’s a good strong workout. Bring a beach towel, and be prepared to work. (1 hour) (2x)
Melinda Parry - Diet Coke, Mentos & More: (Ballfield)You've seen it on the internet. Wouldn't you love to try it? Come make things "explode," create a high fountain and a wild piece of abstract art. If you learn a little science in the process, you can blame the teacher. (1 hour)
Melinda Parry & Tony Marcello: Boffer Sparring (Ballfield)Try your hand with using foam weapons in a series of training fights against your friends. And, beware, war could break out.(1 hour)
Ellen Dill & friends - Team Building and Leadership games (Meet at Gate)We will run through a series of games and activities that will be fun, and help us get to know each other better, and ultimately help us work together to see our own and others’ core values. (1 hour) (2x)
Wednesday Ventures
On Wednesday, August 6th, CYC campers and staff participate in a variety of community service projects (Ventures). We have a number of sites with differing endeavors. Please read about each site and rank your top three interests. Preference will be given to third years campers, however, we will try to accommodate what we can.
Most of the groups leave right after breakfast. Some of the groups are local, within walking distance and those groups are back on campus for lunch in the dining hall. Other groups are out of the area and those groups bring a picnic lunch, returning shortly after lunch for afternoon free time.
Local Venture sites:


1. Oceanwood- this group stays on campus and provides some sort of work service such as
painting, clearing trails, etc.
2. The Pines- this is a retirement community within walking distance. This group will
provide some sort of work service which may include yardwork, painting, etc.
3. Ocean Park Association- This group (also within walking distance) provides work service
to the town of Ocean Park, the town that Oceanwood is in. Previous tasks have
included painting and trail clean up.
Off-site Venture sites:


4. Laudholm Land Trust- trail-clearing for a coastal park in Wells, ME.


5. Alma Farm- Learn about organic farming/gardening as you help with the harvest. In
Porter, ME.


6. Wayside Soup Kitchen- BREAKFAST - Help prepare and serve breakfast at the soup
kitchen in Portland, ME. THIS GROUP LEAVES AT 6:30 AM FOR A 7:00-10:30 SHIFT. YOU MUST WEAR CLOSE-TOED SHOES.


7. Wayside Soup Kitchen- LUNCH- Help prepare and serve lunch at the soup kitchen in
Portland, ME. THIS GROUP LEAVES AT 10;00 AM FOR A 10:30 SHIFT. YOU MUST WEAR CLOSE-TOED SHOES.
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The main purpose of the CYC Academic Program is to develop committed followers of Jesus Christ. Some of our related purposes are:
  • to inspire students to know more about God
  • to give students skills to learn more and to grow
  • to build a Christian community
  • to equip students to live out the faith
Exciting classes, high-quality teachers who love youth, and a curriculum centered on Christ make the Academic Program at CYC an enriching experience. Students choose from a wide variety of options to fulfill the graduation requirements and enjoy this adventure in learning. Each student takes two conference-long courses per year and also participates in seminars on Saturday.


Graduation Requirements: Each student must complete a Bible overview class, an introduction to the Christian faith course called “Starting Point” and one course centered on spiritual growth and living out the faith. Annually, each camper must also take two one-hour seminars or one two-hour seminar on Saturday morning.



Course Categories:
  1. Knowing the Bible (Old and New Testament)
  2. Spiritual Growth/Starting Point
  3. Growing and Living Out the Faith, including Leadership
Students are required to take one class from each of the categories, with emphasis on the first two categories in the first two years. They may take courses from other categories, however. Third-year students are required to take a Living Out the Faith class. There are Living Out the Faith Classes that are designated specifically as Leadership classes. A Leadership class will support the concept of women in church leadership. One aspect of this class will be to encourage students to seek God’s direction in terms of vocation, and students who feel that they may be called to professional Christian service will be encouraged to take the class. Therefore, it is our goal that each year at least one of the teachers will be an ordained pastor or commissioned missionary.


Saturday Seminars:
Students must participate in six hours of Saturday seminars over their three years at CYC. These courses will range from outreach, to Biblical application, to interest-based fun or exercise courses. They are offered as stand-alone one or two hour courses. The purpose of this configuration is to give students a solid foundation on which to base an active faith. In choosing their courses, students are encouraged to consider their own interests and gifts.